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While hepatitis is a general term used to describe inflammation of the liver, it has numerous causes and effects, says Michael B. Fallon, MD, professor of medicine, University of Texas Medical School in Houston.

Fatty liver caused by high levels of fats in the blood that settle in the liver

Inherited diseases of the liver

Hepatitis inflammation can cause liver damage, and even destroy liver cells. The type of hepatitis you have may be either acute, meaning that the infection is new and will go away, or chronic, which means it is likely to be a long-term illness that does not go away.

Over time, chronic hepatitis can cause scarring of the liver, called fibrosis. If enough scar tissue forms in your liver it can lead to a more serious condition called cirrhosis of the liver. Once you have cirrhosis, your liver can no longer recover.

Liver Damage and Acute Hepatitis

Acute hepatitis, which is generally short-lived, affects about 20 to 30 of every 100,000 people in the United States each year.

Common causes include an infection with one of several hepatitis viruses or an overdose of drugs such as acetaminophen. Acetaminophen is the pain reliever found in the drug Tylenol as well as in many other over-the-counter pain relievers.

In recent years, more information about the possible toxic effects of acetaminophen has become available, but many people remain unaware of this concern. Most cases of acute hepatitis from acetaminophen occur in people taking more than twice the recommended dose.

"Hepatitis A results in acute hepatitis, which may range from an infection [with no symptoms] to severe acute liver dysfunction, although this is rare. It characteristically resolves over time and does not lead to chronic liver injury," Fallon says.

Many forms of hepatitis either go away on their own or because the drugs that were causing the hepatitis are no longer being taken. However, some forms of acute hepatitis can cause severe liver dysfunction and even acute liver failure, explains Fallon.

Liver Damage and Chronic Hepatitis

Hepatitis that lasts longer than six months is considered chronic. This type of hepatitis could last for years or possibly for the rest of your life. There are two main categories of chronic hepatitis: chronic active hepatitis and chronic persistent hepatitis.

Chronic active hepatitis is an active, continued inflammation that may eventually lead to cirrhosis.

Chronic persistent hepatitis is a milder form of chronic hepatitis that does not normally lead to cirrhosis.

Of those with chronic hepatitis, at least 60 percent have hepatitis C. Liver injury and scarring are common complications.

"Hepatitis C typically causes mild symptoms during infection with the potential for scarring and cirrhosis,” says Fallon. “Hepatitis C treatment involves a prolonged course of therapy with combinations of medications that have common side effects and are effective in approximately 50 percent of patients. Other causes of chronic hepatitis can also lead to progressive liver injury and ultimately to cirrhosis."

Management and Treatment of Hepatitis

The type of management or treatment you receive for acute or chronic hepatitis will depend on your health, medical history, cause, and course of your hepatitis, and the decisions that you make in consultation with your doctor. Here are some general tips on managing hepatitis:

Consider vaccination. There is no specific treatment for hepatitis A, but effective vaccines are available to prevent infection. Vaccination is also available for hepatitis B. There is currently no vaccination to prevent Hepatitis C. However, if you already have hepatitis C, you should be vaccinated against Hepatitis A and B to prevent further damage to you liver in the event that you become exposed to these other viruses.

Take prescribed medications. There are a number of effective anti-viral medications that can control chronic hepatitis B and C. “Some inherited forms of liver disease have specific treatments that may limit the degree of hepatitis, and autoimmune hepatitis can also be controlled with medications," advises Fallon.

Follow doctor’s orders to avoid drug toxicity. In addition to acetaminophen, other drugs may cause hepatitis, or make it worse if you already have it. Always let your doctor know about any medications you take. "Over-the-counter medications, prescription drugs, and herbal remedies may all cause hepatitis," warns Fallon.

Limit or eliminate acetaminophen. Acetaminophen is a good pain reliever, but some doctors are now recommending lower than normal doses for people with hepatitis. If you have advanced liver damage you should not take acetaminophen at all. Ask your doctor if acetaminophen is safe for you.

Cut out alcohol. No matter what type of hepatitis you have, alcohol can make it worse. Alcohol may be even more dangerous to your liver if consumed with other drugs that can damage the liver. In particular, you should avoid the combination of alcohol and acetaminophen.

Practice good self-care. No matter what type of management or treatment you need for hepatitis, it is important to take good care of yourself. This includes eating a healthy diet, getting exercise, maintaining a good support system, and learning how best to manage stress and fatigue.

The best tip for managing hepatitis is to learn as much as you can about your disease and talk to your doctor frequently.